"Every conceivable nuance of each song is explored."
He's sold truckloads of records in the US, earned the respect of Johnny Cash et al, but Merle Haggard hasn't really registered on hipsters' radar — until now.
Self-confessed mega-fan Bonnie 'Prince' Billy performs Best Troubador, his tribute album to Haggard, with tender passion and diligence, as every conceivable nuance of each song is explored. Unashamedly and unrepentantly country, there's a familiar warmth throughout, particularly on the likes of I Always Get Lucky With You, a delicate ode that's made all the more touching by Oldham's sweeter than peaches croon.